PROGRÈS
6061 contre 6063 Aluminum Extrusions: T6 vs T5 Temper
6061 contre 6063 Aluminum Extrusions: T6 vs T5 Temper
6061 et 6063 are the two most common extrusion alloys. Buyers often treat them as interchangeable — they are not. The alloy choice and temper decide whether the profile ends up on a skyscraper facade or in a CNC machined bracket.
6063 T5: Architectural and Decorative
6063 is optimized for surface quality and anodizing response. Lower alloying content means extrusion runs faster and the surface is smooth. T5 means air-quenched after extrusion and artificially aged — typical yield is ~ 110 MPa. It is the standard for window frames, curtain wall, LED profiles and furniture. See our 6063 angle et 6063 channel.
6061 T6: Structural and Machinable
6061 has higher Mg and Si content and is solution-heat-treated to T6, reaching ~ 275 MPa yield. It is stronger, machine-mates cleanly, and is used for structural profiles, pièces de machines, jigs and fixtures. The surface is less mirror-smooth than 6063. See our 6061 barre plate et 6061 plaque.
| Propriété | 6063 T5 | 6061 T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Traction (MPa) | ≥ 160 | ≥ 310 |
| Rendement (MPa) | ≥ 110 | ≥ 275 |
| Surface finish | Excellent, anodizes well | Good, slightly coarser |
| Best for | Architecture, décoration | Structures, usinage |
Quick Decision Rule
If appearance and anodizing matter most, pick 6063 T5. If strength, stiffness and CNC machining matter most, pick 6061 T6. OEM custom dies are available for non-standard cross-sections.
